43 Events in Cincinnati African Americans Will Not Want to Miss

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Looking for something to do? Add these Cincinnati African American events to your calendar.

Black Cincinnatians can routinely and affordably enjoy the performing arts, fine arts, entertainers, religious services, professional development training and programs initiatives that help us improve our physical and mental health. We are also very fortunate that nationally-known African-American artists routinely display their talents right here in the Queen City.

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When purchasing your tickets, be sure to ask about any special deals, discount options, community performances or same-day options. The information in this article is as current as of the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information prior to acting.

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Check out our featured event:

Jazz in Bloom
Cincinnati Art Museum
October 19

Enjoy a lovely evening of delightful food, cocktails surrounded by beautiful flower arrangements and jazz from Mark Hampton and The Jazz Experience and local famed saxophonist Ed Thomas. Tickets are $60 and must be purchased in advance online. The show starts at 6 p.m.

 

Mark Lomax Classical Jazz Concert
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
October 27

Mark Lomax along with members of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra will perform an hour-long excerpt from his 400: An Afrikan Epic. This piece highlight the Black culture through classical and jazz music. Entry to this event is FREE with museum admission. It starts at 3 p.m.

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Men of Change Exhibit
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
August 17 – December 1

This exhibit profiles revolutionary men—including Muhammad Ali, James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates, W.E.B Du Bois, Kendrick Lamar and more. Admission is $10.

 

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Robert Colescott: Arts and Race Exhibit
Contemporary Arts Center
September 20 – January 12, 2020

The Art and Race Matters exhibition will reveal 85 total works throughout 53 years of Robert Colescott career that both bring to the surface and challenge diversity and racial stereotypes. Entry is FREE.

 

Sohrab Hura Exhibit
Cincinnati Art Museum
October 5 – February 2, 2020

Contemporary Indian photographer Sohrab Hura reveals his first solo museum exhibition titled The Levee: A Photographer in the American South. It’s an 83-picture suite, in which Hura explores themes of connection, perspective, and place.

 

 

Marlon Wayans Comedy Show
Funny Bone Liberty Township
October 18 – 19

Actor, entertainer, and funny man Marlon Wayans will be hitting the stage once again in Cincinnati. He will do a total of five shows. Tickets start at $35.

 

King Me: Artist Talk
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
October 19

Artist ninamdot (pronounced neena-em-dot) will be featured in an upcoming “Artist Talk” regarding her transformative photos, King Me on display as part of the Men of Change exhibit. Tickets are $15. The program starts at 3 p.m.

 

 

Jidenna Concert
Bogart’s
October 20

The Classic Man himself will be performing songs from his hit album The Chief and EP Boomerang. He will also introduce new music from his upcoming album. Tickets are $25. Concert starts at 8 p.m.

 

Bi-Okoto Cultural Center
October 26

This is a community event that bring people together. With drum, we communicate to each, share information. Learn about African drum, and play a unique rhythm to bring people around us closer. This event begins at 5 p.m.

 

Cincinnati-ALT Git Down Comedy Show
Harmony Lodge Inc.
October 26

Laugh with comedians John Mason, 4Way Tez & Cincy’s Jojoe T.H.U.G Woodford and Big Kev and spoken word artist. Tickets are $15 – $20. The show starts at 7 p.m.

 

JB Smooth Lollygaggin’ Comedy Show
Bogart’s
October 26

You’ve seen him on TV in Real Husbands of Hollywood, Everybody Hates Chris, Pootie Tang and more! Now you can see the comedic genius live! Tickets are $42. Click the link to see how you can get discount tickets. The show starts at 7 p.m.

 

Gina Ruffin Moore: Five Cincinnati African Americans Who Made A Difference
Taft Museum of Art
October 30

At Taft Museum’s FREE Cincinnati Lunch and Learn, Gina Ruffin Moore will talk about the five Cincinnati African American who have made a big impact to the city. This events happens each final Wednesday of each month, from 12–1 p.m.

 

Shuler King Comedy Show
Liberty Funny Bone
October 30

When was the last time you met a funeral home director that doubled as a comedian? Probably never! You’ll die of laughter – figuratively speaking. General admission tickets for the Shuler King Cincinnati comedy show are $35. Dinner packages are $55. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

 

CCM Jazz Tribute to Stevie Wonder
Corbett Auditorium, University of Cincinnati
November 3

Hear the hits of Stevie Wonder brought to life by the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) Jazz Lab Band and Cincinnati native Tyshawn Colquitt. Tickets are $27.50. Concert starts at 7 p.m. 

 

Iconic Ladies of Motown
Mt. Healthy Theatre
November 8

P. Ann Everson-Price and her band will take you on a musical journey, sharing the history behind the music of the most iconic ladies of Motown.  Learn the struggles, triumph, and tragedies – as well as the strength, courage and wisdom that brought legends like Diana Ross, The Supremes and more. Tickets are The show starts at 7 p.m.

 

Marcus Miller Jazz Concert
Ludlow Garage
November 8

In among the most enviable careers in music, Miller is a two-time GRAMMY®-winner and the composer/producer of ten critically acclaimed and genre-defying albums. Ticket prices range from $45 – $85. Concert starts at 8:30 p.m.

 

Marcia Griffiths Concert
Ludlow Garage
November 13

When you attend a Bar-B-Que, wedding, birthday party, or any type of festive gathering, chances are that your designated DJ (even if it’s you) will get the crowd turned up with a round of “Electric Slide”. Now, you can tur up live with the legend who created it. Tickets start at $25. Concert starts at 8:30 p.m.

 

 

Ruben Studdard Concert
Memorial Hall
November 14

American Idol favorite Ruben Studdard is making his way to Cincinnati this fall and you need to be in the building. He was “Sorry for 2004”, but you’ll be sorry if you miss this. Tickets are $45 – $65. Concert starts at 8 p.m.

 

Cincy R&B Fest
U.S. Bank Arena
November 15

The Cincy R&B Fest features your favorite love crooners Jagged Edge, 112, Ginuwine, Tevin Campbell, SILK, and H-Town. Ticket prices range from $49.50 – $250. Click the link to see how you can get discount tickets. Concert starts at 8 p.m.

 

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Features Conductor Thomas Wilkins
Music Hall
November 15 – 16

Get your tickets today for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra presents American Life. Hear music led by amazing and legendary African American composers. Tickets prices range from $14 – $130.

 

 

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Concert
Riverfront Live
November 16

Prepare to see your favorite songs like include Foe Tha Love of Money, Crossroads, 1st Of Tha Month and more performed live! Tickets for this event are $25. Click the link to see how you can get discount tickets. Concert starts at 9 p.m.

 

National Catholic Black History Month Celebration
Holy Name Catholic Church
November 16

National Catholic Black History Month Cincinnati celebration to honor African American sisters and brothers with gospel music, liturgical dancing, presentation of Honorees and Mass. This event is FREE. Celebration starts at 2 p.m.

 

Lil Duval: Living My Best Life Tour
Bogart’s
November 22

Proclaiming himself “Lil Duval” after the county from which he hails, he has literally put his home turf on his back as he touches every nook and cranny available with his special brand of humor and music. Tickets are $49.50 – $65. Click the link to see how you can get discount tickets. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

 

Straight No Chaser Concert
Taft Theatre
November 23

This harmonizing group is bringing their talents once again to Cincinnati. Ticket prices range between $39.50 – $79.50. Concert starts at 8 p.m.

 

 

Awaited Musical
Aronoff Center
December 20 – 23

Awaited is the creative retelling of the Christmas story brought to life on stage by over 80 performers. Featuring original choreography and music, along with favorite holiday classics. Ticket prices range from $25 – $100.

 

The Lion King Broadway Musical
Aronoff Center
January 8 – February 2, 2020

Giraffes strut.  Birds swoop.  Gazelles leap.  The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before.  And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. Tickets for Disney’s The Lion King performance will be available soon.

 

Aretha: The Queen of Soul Cincinnati Tribute
Aronoff Center
January 17, 2020

‘All Hail the Queen!’ Aretha Franklin’s iconic career spanned six decades, inspiring and influencing generations of aspiring musicians and vocalists. This production stars the immensely talented Charity Lockhart, accompanied by spectacular vocalists and musicians as they celebrate the legendary life & music of Aretha Franklin. Tickets are $37.75 – $51.75. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

 

Yolo: Walk Through Fire World Tour
Taft Theatre
January 21, 2020

She sings what you would call country soul. Her ability to fill a room with her boisterous, yet subtle voice is nothing short of amazing. The Yola Cincinnati concert will feature special guest Amythyst Kiah. Tickets are $20 – $25. Concert starts at 8 p.m.

 

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Performance
Aronoff Center
January 20 – 21, 2020

Diverse cultures and dancers put on a performance you don’t want to miss. They will have you dancing and clapping from your seats. Tickets are only $7.

 

All The Way Play
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
January 24, 2020 – February 15, 2020

Faced with civil unrest at home and an unpopular war abroad, accidental president Lyndon B. Johnson struggles at the eleventh hour to get the hotly contested Civil Rights Act across the finish line and keep an already divided country from tearing itself apart. Ticket start at $28.

 

Blues For An Alabama Sky Play
Falcon Theatre
January 24, 2020 – February 8, 2020

It’s the summer of 1930 in Harlem, New York. The creative euphoria of the Harlem Renaissance has given way to the harsher realities of the Great Depression. Tickets for this event are $15 – $25.

 

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Proof: Singulis Et Stimul
Music Hall
January 29, 2020

Singulis Et Simul simply means “Be oneself, together”. The show is a celebration of femininity in the African American transgender community, with roots dating back to the Harlem Renaissance. Tickets are a$33.82. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

 

Cincinnati Pops Presents Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue
Music Hall
January 31 – February 2 (2020)

Celebrated jazz pianist Marcus Roberts makes his Cincinnati Pops debut with John Morris Russell conducting a new take on Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with a jazz combo. The program also includes such Gershwin classics as An American in Paris, the Cuban Overture and selections from Porgy and Bess. Tickets prices range from $25 – $130.

 

Remember James The Musical
The Carnegie Theatre
February 1, 2020

This musical stars Broadway World Awards Nominee Dedrick Weathersby, tells the story of “The Godfather of Soul”, James Brown at the start of Mr. Brown’s career in 1951. There are two performance times. Tickets are $29 – $58.

 

AmericUS by Universes Play
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
February 1 –  March 8 (2020)

Fusing theatre, poetry, dance, jazz, hip-hop and down-home blues, Universes will create a compelling portrait of contemporary America. Ticket prices range from $10 – $50.

 

Cincinnati Pops Featuring Ledisi
Music Hall
February 18 (2020)

In her Cincinnati Pops debut, nine-time Grammy nominee Ledisi offers her “amazing vocal gift” (Rolling Stone) to honor the “High Priestess of Soul,” the late Nina Simone. John Morris Russell conducts iconic songs including “Feeling Good,” “I Put a Spell on You,” and “Young, Gifted and Black” in this one-night-only concert experience. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online. The concert starts at 7 p.m.

 

Negro Melodies of American Concert
Alice F. and Harris K. Weston Art Gallery
February 27

Pianist Dr. Leah Claiborne will perform piano works by black composers who use arrangements of Negro Melodies, or “Spirituals,” in their compositions. This event is FREE. The concert starts at 7 p.m.

 

The Agitators Play
Falcon Theatre
March 20, 2020 – April 4, 2020

A riveting story about the friendship that persisted through the years between Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass as both fought tirelessly for the rights of others. Tickets are $25.

 

Dada Rafiki: Conversations 
Aronoff Center
May 8

Encounter a multi-sensory artistic experience of theater, dance, storytelling, music, and spoken word, honoring the legacy and impact of women. This year’s theme promotes a universal message of hope, health, and healing for Greater Cincinnati. The show starts at 7 p.m.

 

MUSE Cincinnati Women’s Choir Concert
Memorial Hall
May 30

For 37 years, the MUSE Cincinnati Women’s Choir has stood strong in its commitment to social justice, musical excellence. This season is no exception, as they dedicate their upcoming spring concert to uplifting and speaking life and power to ALL women. Tickets start at $10.

 

Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival
Eden Park
June 20 – 21

The festival is free and will feature diverse, family-friendly activities such as traditional storytelling, sweet potato pie bake-off, and live R&B music on two stages. Vendors will also be present and offer a wide variety of food, clothing, art, folk crafts, and ethnic literature.

 

Castor and Patience Cincinnati Opera
School for Creative and Performing Arts
July 16 – 26, 2020

The world premiere opera of Castor and Patience centers on two members of an African American family who find themselves at odds over the fate of a historic parcel of land they have inherited in the American South.

 

 

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The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize and create opportunities for African Americans in the region. Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Facebook or text VOBC to 797979 for local news, events, job postings, scholarships and a database of local Black-owned businesses.

 

Marissa Staples, Writer
The Voice of Black Cincinnati